Camera Gear Review News

Image quality test results have been added to the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens page.
 
Warning: You are going to want this lens.
 
Act fast: The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens is in stock at Amazon USA.
 
Preorder this lens at B&H | Adorama | WEX
 
Rent the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens from Lensrentals.
 
Reminder: share these results with your friends!

Image quality test results have been added to the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens page.
 
I think you'll like this one.
 
The Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Please share these results with your friends!

Image quality test results have been added to the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens page.
 
Here is a comparison to get you started:
 
Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS vs. RF 24-105mm F4 L IS Lens
 
The Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
 
Please remember to support us by using our links for all of your shopping needs and by sharing the site with others!

When selecting a camera, one usually wants to compare it to the closest alternatives and to get started, I'll compare the Canon EOS M6 Mark II to the Canon EOS M6. That link along with the visual comparison reveal most of the differences.
 
Here is a summary:

• 32.5 MP vs. 24.2 MP (6960 x 4640 px vs. 6000 x 4000 px)
• Pixel Size of 3.20µm vs 3.72µm (DLA of f/5.2 vs. f/6.0
• 14 fps continuous shooting with AF vs. 7 fps (9fps w/o AF), 54/23 JPG/RAW frames vs. 26/17
• DIGIC 8 vs. DIGIC 7 processor
• Eye AF
• Maximum of 143/99 auto selected AF points (depending on the lens) vs. 49
• Still image metering range of EV -2–20 vs. EV 1 - 20
• Movie recording metering range of EV 0–20 vs. EV 2 - 20
• 1/16000 sec. shutter speed with electronic shutter
• Has C-RAW
• 4k, Full HD at 119.88
• Has Flicker Mode, adjusting shutter release timing to avoid flickering light issues
• Does not have NFC
• Has a Wireless menu tab
• Supports UHS-II memory card standard vs. UHS-I
• Slightly larger: 4.71 x 2.76 x 1.94" vs. 4.4 x 2.7 x 1.8" (119.6 x 70.0 x 49.2mm vs. 112.0 x 68.0 x 44.5mm)
• Slightly lighter: 12.73 oz vs. 13.8 oz (361g vs. 390g)
• Has a dedicated rear AF/MF switch and AF-ON button
• Has a multi-function top dial and button vs. stacked dials

Numerous of those bullets could alone justify an upgrade from the M6 Mark I. For example, the twice-as-fast (with AF) continuous shooting frame rate. Eye AF is alone worth the price of the camera to those photographing people with any frequency. Do much video work? The 4k feature is noteworthy. Want higher resolution or more reach with the lenses you currently have? The increased sensor resolution is going to be noticeable.
 
As with most model upgrades, price remains the primary feature advantage of the previous camera version.
 
More Information
 
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
 
Order the Canon EOS M6 Mark II at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

The Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D Comparison is a highly relevant one, comparing the new and previous versions of this camera model. Here is a list of the differences between the 90D and 80D:

• 32.5 MP vs. 24.2 MP (6960 x 4640 px vs. 6000 x 4000 px)
• Pixel Size of 3.20µm vs 3.72µm (DLA of f/5.2 vs. f/6.0
• Has a joystick multi-controller
• DIGIC 8 vs. DIGIC 6 processor
• Has FV Mode
• 220,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor vs 7560-pixel RGB+IR, 216-zone (18 x 12) vs. 63-zone (9×7)
• EV -3 – 18 metering range vs. EV 1 – 20
• ISO 100–25600 (1/3-stop), Expanded 51200 vs. ISO 100–12800 (1/3-stop), Expanded 25600
• Anti smudge LCD coating vs. Anti-reflection and Anti smudge (80D advantage)
• 10 fps (11 fps in live view continuous shooting vs. 7 fps
• Has Eye AF in live view
• 59.94 fps live view frame rate vs. 30 fps
• 1/16000 electronic shutter available vs. no
• C-RAW vs. M-RAW, S-RAW
• MP4 movie file format vs. MP4, MOV
• 4k, Full HD at 119.88, HD at 59.94
• Dedicated wireless menu tab
• Approx: 1300 frame battery life rating vs. 960 (at 23°C, AE 50%, FE 50%)
• 120,000 actuation shutter durability rating vs. 100,000
• Bluetooth vs. NFC

Few are going to find a reason (other than price) to go with the 80D over the 90D.
 
If you know of a feature difference not included here, please share it with us!
 
More Information
 
Canon EOS 90D
 
Order the Canon EOS 90D at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

Just posted: Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD Lens Review.
 
This is a compact, lightweight ultra-wide-angle lens with image quality the exceeds its price.
 
The Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD Lens from Lensrentals.

With a Canon EOS M6 Mark II in hand, it was time to set up the camera for use. Following are the 36 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box M6 II ready for use.
 

1. Open the box, find the battery and charger and plug it in. If you have another charged battery available, you can continue to the battery-required steps without a wait. Or, the supplied battery may have enough charge to take you through these steps if you can't wait.
2. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box. For me, this is primarily the camera, the eye cup, and the neck strap
3. Install the latest Canon EOS Solution Disk software on your computer to get support for the latest camera(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, and Lens Registration Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
4. Attach the neck strap.
5. Insert a sufficiently charged battery.
6. Power the camera on.
7. The date and time setup screen will show at startup the first time. Use the Rear Control dial and the Set button to update this information.
8. Insert a memory card (format them via the tools menu option before taking pictures).
9. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv or M (some modes provide only a small subset of available menu options).
10. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use top dial to set RAW to "RAW" and Rear Control dial to set JPEG to "-"
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image review: Off
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 2: ISO Speed Settings: ISO Speed range: 100-H (51200), Auto ISO Speed range: 100-25600
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Lens aberration correction: All disabled (though I suggest leaving CA correction enabled for most uses - all can be applied to a RAW file in DPP)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: White balance: AWB-W (Auto: White priority)
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness Strength set to "1" (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram on the back of the camera that most-accurately shows me blown highlights and blocked shadows on the camera LCD. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: High ISO speed noise reduction: Low or Off (noise reduction is destructive to image details - I prefer to add NR sparingly in post)
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Eye Detection AF: Enable
19. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Touch & drag AF settings: Touch and drag AF: Enable
20. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback information display: Leave options 1 and 2 (only) checked and press info to change option 2's histogram to RGB
21. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Highlight alert: Enable (flash portions of images that are overexposed)
22. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback grid: 3x3
23. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Magnificatn (apx): Actual size
24. Setup Menu, Tab 1: Auto rotate: On/Computer only (this provides the largest playback image size on the camera LCD)
25. Setup Menu, Tab 1: Mode guide: Disable
26. Setup Menu, Tab 1: Feature guide: Disable
27. Setup Menu, Tab 3: Beep: Disable
28. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Shooting info. display: Screen info. settings: Enable 1, 3, 4
29. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Shooting info. display: VF info/toggle setting: Enable 1 and 3
30. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Shooting info. display: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes helpful for alignment checking)
31. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Shooting info. display: Histogram disp: RGB, Small (I want to see the brightness levels of each channel separately and don't want the graph to take up much space in the display)
32. Setup Menu, Tab 5: Custom shooting mode (C1-C3): Auto update set: Enable (see also: Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
33. Setup Menu, Tab 5: Copyright information: Type name as desired
34. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn II :Autofocus: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Pt only
35. My Menu: Add the first tab; Register the following options for Tab 1: Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring what time it is), Sensor cleaning, Expo.comp./AEB
36. Mount a lens, focus on a subject and adjust the viewfinder diopter (if necessary)

I of course make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.
 
To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot - including shooting in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.
 
If you can't remember your own menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a good idea. IF your camera is reset-to-factory state for some reason, such as when being serviced, you will be ready to restore your setup quickly while ensuring that you do not miss an important setting. If you purchase another same or similar camera, you will be able to quickly set it up.
 
More Information
 
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
 
Order the Canon EOS M6 Mark II at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

With a Canon EOS 90D in hand, it was time to set up the camera for use. Following are the 36 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box 90D ready for use.
 

1. Open the box, find the battery and charger and plug it in. If you have another charged LP-E6/LP-E6N battery available, you can continue to the battery-required steps without a wait. Or, the supplied battery may have enough charge to take you through these steps if you can't wait.
2. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box. For me, this is primarily the camera, the eye cup, and the neck strap
3. Install the latest Canon EOS Solution Disk software on your computer to get support for the latest camera(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, and Lens Registration Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
4. Attach the neck strap.
5. Insert a sufficiently charged battery.
6. Power the camera on.
7. The date and time setup screen will show at startup the first time. Use the Rear Control dial and the Set button to update this information.
8. Insert a memory card (format them via the tools menu option before taking pictures).
9. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv or M (some modes provide only a small subset of available menu options).
10. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use top dial to set RAW to "RAW" and Rear Control dial to set JPEG to "-"
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image review: 4 sec.
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Release without card: Disable/off (I highly recommend this setting)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Lens aberration correction: All disabled (though I suggest leaving CA correction enabled for most uses - all can be applied to a RAW file in DPP)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 2: ISO Speed Settings: ISO Speed range: 100-H (51200), Auto ISO Speed range: 100-25600
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: White balance: AWB-W (Auto: White priority)
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness Strength set to "1" (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram on the back of the camera that most-accurately shows me blown highlights and blocked shadows on the camera LCD. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: High ISO speed noise reduction: Low or Off (noise reduction is destructive to image details - I prefer to add NR sparingly in post)
19. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback information display: Leave options 1 and 2 (only) checked and press info to change option 2's histogram to RGB
20. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Highlight alert: Enable (flash portions of images that are overexposed)
21. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback grid: 3x3
22. Setup Menu, Tab 1: Auto rotate: On/Computer only (this provides the largest playback image size on the camera LCD)
23. Setup Menu, Tab 3: Beep: Disable
24. Setup Menu, Tab 4: Mode guide: Disable
25. Setup Menu, Tab 4: Feature guide: Disable
26. Setup Menu, Tab 4: Viewfinder display: Select all options
27. Setup Menu, Tab 5: Custom shooting mode (C1-C3): Auto update set: Enable (see also: Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
28. Setup Menu, Tab 5: Copyright information: Type name as desired
29. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn I :Exposure: Bracketing auto cancel: Disable
30. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn I :Exposure: Bracketing sequence: -, 0, +
31. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn II :Autofocus: AI Servo 1st image priority: Focus priority (I want the images in focus more than I want the time-priority capture)
32. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn II :Autofocus: Focus priority (same reason)
33. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn II :Autofocus: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Area + pt
34. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn III : Operation/others: Custom controls: AF-ON: One shot AI Servo; Set: Playback; Multicontroller: Direct AF point selection
35. My Menu: Add the first tab; Register the following options for Tab 1: Mirror lockup, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring what time it is), Sensor cleaning, Expo.comp./AEB
36. Mount a lens, focus on a subject and adjust the viewfinder diopter (if necessary)

I of course make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.
 
To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot - including shooting in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.
 
If you can't remember your own menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a good idea. IF your camera is reset-to-factory state for some reason, such as when being serviced, you will be ready to restore your setup quickly while ensuring that you do not miss an important setting. If you purchase another same or similar camera, you will be able to quickly set it up.
 
More Information
 
Canon EOS 90D
 
Order the Canon EOS 90D at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

I hope to get to some more in-depth comparisons, but for the DIYers, the specifications records for the just-announced Canon EOS 90D and Canon EOS M6 Mark II are mostly populated and make for some interesting comparisons.
 
Here are some suggestions:
 
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D Comparison
 
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 70D Comparison
 
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS M6 Mark II Comparison
 
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 7D Mark II Comparison
 
 
Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs. Canon EOS M6 Comparison
 
Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs. Canon EOS M5 Comparison
 
Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs. Canon EOS 80D Comparison
 
To more fully complete the comparisons, use the Camera Product Images Tool. Click "overlay" after following that link to see an interesting comparison.

MTF charts for the following lenses have been added to the MTF comparison tool:
 
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens
 
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens
 
Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens
 
There are some very nice looking charts here.

With the announcement of the extremely-feature-filled Canon EOS M6 Mark II and Canon EOS 90D, there have been a lot of questions about the future of the Canon EOS M5 and Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera model lines.
 
The 7D II is now about 5 years old and especially when compared to the 90D, looking a bit long in tooth. With the 90D now having a 2-generation-newer imaging sensor, a joystick, and a 10 fps continuous shooting capability, it seems logical to question if the 90D is the 7D Mark II's successor. In answer to that question, Canon USA specifically informed me that the 90D is not a replacement for the 7D II, noting that the 7D II still has some advantages including dual memory card slots, a stronger build including a magnesium alloy frame, and better weather sealing. With DSLR sales still accounting for about 70% of the overall interchangeable lens camera sales volume, don't look for DSLR development to stop anytime soon. While we don't know anything about plans for a Canon EOS 7D Mark III, such a camera seems quite viable from a business perspective.
 
Similarly, the M6 II seems feature advantaged over the M5, a camera that many of us who prefer a built-in EVF love. In answer to my question, arising in part from the M camera series naming convention initially seeming to lack direction, Canon USA informed me that the "5" in M5 still denotes a higher model line than the "6" in the M6 II. Also noted was that an M5 replacement was not thought to be in the immediate pipeline.
 
Canon typically holds future product information close, instead using formal product announcements to make new products known just prior to their arrival. The PhotoPlus Expo is the next big camera announcement timeframe I see on the calendar. With the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens and Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS Lens expected yet this year, those two lenses are likely be on the PhotoPlus announcement list. What else? Stay tuned!

Information about the Canon EOS M6 Mark II Camera's 30 fps RAW burst feature was limited at the product launch, so I inquired of the man who seems to know everything about the Canon EOS system, Rudy Winston of Canon USA. Here is the very helpful information Rudy shared with me:
 
RAW burst is a separate line item in the camera’s shooting menu; it’s not one of the listed “Drive” speed choices. So it’s handled like a separate feature, and not just another FPS choice.
 
As the specs suggest, RAW burst fires at up to 30 fps, and will do so for up to 80 shots in a continuous burst, assuming a fast UHS-II compliant SD card is installed. I’ve tried it with UHS-I cards, and gotten around 50 or so images in a burst.
 
There’s a separate Menu choice for “Pre-shooting,” which by default is off. If user-enabled, it starts collecting image data **when the shutter button is pressed half-way down,** and then once it’s pressed FULLY to begin shooting, the last 0.5 seconds worth of images before the full press are recorded to the memory card as well. We’ve seen this before, in the video world, and the idea is if waiting for some split-second event to occur (for instance, a bird on a branch, waiting for it to take off in flight), you get the half-second before you actually reacted and fully pressed the shutter button down.
 
A few other points about RAW burst mode:

• It always records lower-resolution, slightly cropped RAW images (approx. 18 million pixels, 5184 x 3456 resolution); about 75% x 75% (H x V) of the sensor’s full dimensions is used during RAW burst shooting. Obviously, with the electronic viewfinder or LCD monitor, the user always sees the actual recorded image area.
• RAW burst is only possible in Creative Zone shooting modes (P, Tv, Av, Fv, or Manual)
• Processing is 12-bit, vs. 14-bit processing for standard RAW images
• Electronic shutter (only) is active during RAW burst shooting (the maximum drive speed with “mechanical” shutter is the camera’s normal 14 FPS high continuous setting)
• Servo AF **is** possible during RAW burst shooting
• RAW burst images are recorded in a “roll,” and play back in-camera slightly differently than a normal continuous sequence of files.
• RAW images have a “.CSI” prefix when taken in RAW burst mode; a compatible version of Canon’s DPP software (or third-party RAW processing software) is required to view and process them.
• The camera does NOT have to be pre-set to a continuous Drive setting, before activating RAW burst shooting in the Menu.
• At least on my pre-production sample camera, if RAW burst is set on the Menu, and the camera is turned off (or the card is removed), the camera reverts to normal Drive operation, and RAW burst is disabled. I don’t know of a way to force it to stay active if the camera’s turned off, at least at this point.
• Again, on my pre-production camera, it’s not possible to save RAW burst mode to one of the memorized, “Custom” shooting modes (C1 or C2)… if RAW burst is enabled, the Custom Shooting Modes within the Set-up Menu are grayed-out. They immediately are restored if RAW burst is disabled on the Menu.

The last two points MAY be a matter of it being pre-production… don’t have documentation from Japan to confirm or deny, but thought I’d mention it. At this stage of pre-production, I wouldn't’ be surprised if actual production cameras behave the same way as my sample camera.
 
Two of the keys that make RAW burst possible are the use of a DIGIC 8 processor, and most importantly, faster read-out speeds of the new 32.5 MP image sensor (while still allowing Dual Pixel CMOS AF to be carried out).
 
As a practical matter, at least judging from my pre-production sample camera, this feature is VERY sensitive to SD card write speed. A SanDisk UHS-I card, rated at 95 MB/sec, was not sufficient to record anything close to 80 straight images, and the little vertical buffer “scale” on the LCD monitor appeared almost immediately as shooting began. In other words, users should expect to use fast, UHS-II cards to really get the most out of this feature. Fortunately, unlike previous EOS M-series models, the M6 Mark II **is** compatible with UHS-II cards!
 
Thanks for sharing, Rudy!
 
Order the Canon EOS M6 Mark II at: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

A recent Canon media event provided a significant amount of hands-on time with the new Canon EOS 90D and M6 Mark II. Both are excellent cameras and while I look forward to bringing these models into the studio for a more in-depth look, I have plenty of information to share with you now.
 
First, the review pages are a work-in-progress but already loaded with information:
 
Canon EOS 90D | Canon EOS M6 Mark II
 
From those pages, navigate to the specifications and product image pages for detailed comparisons. Note that the specifications are also a work-in-progress and the camera side images remain MIA.

Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens page.
 
Sony is going to sell a LOT of copies of this lens. Here are some comparisons:
 
Compared to Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens
 
Compared to Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
 
Compared to Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR Lens
 
Compared to Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens
 
Compared to Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens
 
Compared to Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens
 
Compared to Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 Lens
 
Sanity check: Compared to Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens
 
This lens was a huge hit before we saw the image quality it was capable of. Finding one on the shelf anytime soon should be challenging. Preorder now to get in line. The Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens is available for preorder at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens Review.
 
I expect to see this lens ending up on many short lists.
 
The Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens page.
 
Expensive? Absolutely.
 
Weight? Incredibly light for the focal length and aperture.
 
Image quality? You get what you pay for.
 
Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS compared to Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III Lens
 
Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS compared to Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II Lens
 
Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS compared to Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR Lens
 
Please share these results with your friends!
 
Act fast: I expected this lens to be very difficult to get for a long time, but Amazon USA has two in stock (Samy's Camera is reputable)! WEX also has this lens in stock.
 
The Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens is available for preorder at B&H | Adorama
 
Rent the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results have been added to the Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD Lens page.
 
The results look good, especially for the price of this lens. Here are some comparisons to get you started (use your visualization skills in the comparisons showing different resolution test cameras):
 
Compared to Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS Lens
 
Compared to Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III Lens
 
Compared to Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L Lens
 
Compared to Nikon 16-35mm f/4G VR Lens
 
Compared to Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Lens
 
Compared to Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens
 
Compared to Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens
 
Compared to Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD IF Lens
 
Compared to Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 Lens
 
Compared to Tokina 17-35mm f/4 Lens
 
As hinted to, this is a very affordable lens. The Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD Lens from Lensrentals.
 
Share these results with your friends!

Just posted: Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD Lens Review
 
Check out how this new lens featuring a unique focal length range performs! Share the review with your friends.
 
The Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results have been added to the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens page.
 
I think you will be impressed, especially for the price. Here are some comparisons.
 
Use your discernment when viewing comparisons captured with different resolution cameras.
 
Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD compared to Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
 
Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD compared to Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens
 
Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD compared to Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor Lens
 
Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD compared to Rokinon (Samyang) 35mm f/1.4 US UMC Lens
 
Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD compared to Tamron 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens
 
 
The Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs and measurements have been added to the Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD Lens page.
 
Create comparisons – share with your friends.
 
The Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens Review.
 
Meet your new favorite portrait lens.
 
The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens from Lensrentals.

The Canon, Nikon, and Sony 70-200mm f/4 lenses, along with the Canon 70-300 L lens, are now included in the site's Camera Lens MTF Measurements Comparison Tool.
 
When the size and weight (and price) of the f/2.8 models are too much, the f/4 models are the easy alternative.
 
Go make some comparisons, then share them with your friends.

Image quality test results have been added to the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens page.
 
Make some comparisons. I think that you will like what you see!
 
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens Review.
 
The light weight of this lens is really incredible.
 
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is in stock at B&H (save the tax, use the B&H Payboo card) | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.
 
Rent the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens from Lensrentals.

70-200mm f/2.8 lenses from Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Sony, and Tamron are now included in the site's Camera Lens MTF Measurements Comparison Tool.
 
The 70-200mm f/2.8 image stabilized lens is a staple to many kits. Start comparing! Then share the results with your friends.

Just posted: Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens Review.
 
Along with much other information, learn why this lens' f/2.8 is equal T 5.6.
 
The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: ProMediaGear PLX3x Universal L-Bracket Review.
 
I've wanted a universal L-bracket for a long time and this is the one I picked.
 
The ProMediaGear PLX3x Universal L-Bracket is in stock at Adorama

Image quality test results have been added to the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S Lens page.
 
Compact, light, great focal length range, and ... very nice image quality (remember that lateral CA is usually easily removed). Create your own comparisons – share the results with your friends.
 
The Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX ("Awaiting Stock")
 
Rent the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results from an additional lens have been added to the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens page.
 
As I shared prior regarding the first lens' test results:
 
 
While these image quality results may appear simple, they have a background. Keeping the story short, my first copy of this lens took forever to arrive and when it did, the performance was not as expected with damage sustained in transit being strongly suspected. The second lens also took a long time to acquire and the results being shared here are from this lens.
 
Before announcing these results, I did some sanity checking including with my Canon USA technical rep. My concern (always) is ensuring that this lens' performance is representative of what buyers should expect from their own lens. The MTF charts suggest that the version III lens should perform nearly equally to the version II lens. While I'm not absolutely 100% confident that a better copy of this lens is not available (and will likely test at least one more copy of this lens to be sure), I have enough confidence that this lens is representative of the model, showing what we should expect, to share these results.
 
That said, let's jump right into the comparison that most will be interested in, the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III vs. II Lens image quality comparison. The version III lens produces very impressive image quality wide open. My only cause for concern about this lens copy was that the version II lens is very slightly sharper in the center of the frame with the difference primarily noticeable when extenders are being used. With less lateral CA, the version III lens produces better peripheral image quality, even with the 2x extender in place.
 
Unmistakably better is the version III's weight. As I was creating this post, I grabbed the lens from my desk and ran to attempt to catch a pileated woodpecker on a tree just outside the studio. That effort reminded me how amazingly light this lens is for its specs.
 
 
Back to the new copy of this lens ... as I mentioned, I wanted to test another copy and here is the comparison between the two copies (copy "2" is the new one).
 
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is in stock at B&H (save the tax, use the B&H Payboo card) | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.
 
Rent the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens Review.
 
This is an outstanding lens.
 
The Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX (in stock – act fast)
 
Rent the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens page.
 
They can't keep this one on the shelf. Here are some comparisons.
 
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens compared to Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens
 
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens compared to Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens
 
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens compared to Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens
 
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens compared to Rokinon (Samyang) 135mm f/2 ED UMC Lens
 
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens compared to Zeiss 135mm f/2 Milvus Lens
 
As always, please share these results with your friends!
 
The Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens is available for preorder at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera Review.
 
The EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D / 200D II is a lot of camera in a little size. The low price is at least equally attractive.
 
Save $50 to $250 instantly with the current Canon promotion – get the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 from Lensrentals.

Noise test results have been added to the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 page.
 
Save $50 to $250 instantly with the current Canon promotion – get the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results have been added to the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens page.
 
What do you think? Does this lens meet your expectations? Here are a couple of comparisons to get you started:
 
Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens compared to the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens
Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens compared to the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens
 
The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus Lens Review.
 
Object of desire.
 
As always, please share!
 
The Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | WEX
 
Rent the Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus Lens from Lensrentals.
 
(Note that one of the standard product images will be incorrectly sized until the cache clears.)

Image quality test results have been added to the Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus Lens page.
 
Simply. Outstanding. Meet the definition of sharp.
 
If you can make a 100mm manual focus lens work for your application, you want this lens.
 
Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED AF-S NIKKOR Lens
Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 Lens
Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Zeiss Milvus 100mm f/2M Lens
 
The Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | WEX
 
Rent the Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens Review.
 
This lens is a great addition to any Sony kit. Or, a reason to get a Sony kit for some.
 
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens from Lensrentals.

In addition to Image quality test results, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens page.
 
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens page.
 
Now we know why this compact and reasonably-priced (less than the Canon and Nikon equivalents) lens has been nearly unobtainable. Here are some comparisons (using differing camera formats).
 
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens compared to Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens compared to Nikon 24mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor Lens
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens compared to Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens compared to Zeiss 28mm f/1.4 Otus Lens
 
Share these results with your friends!
 
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens Review.
 
This lens exceeded my expecations.
 
The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens from Lensrentals.

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens has a rattle?
 
A couple of months ago, I helped a friend source a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens. Oddly, a day or two later he found that his order had been canceled. Another day later, the retailer contacted him with an explaination for canceling his order. While packing the lens for shipping, they heard a rattle inside the box, determined that the lens was damaged, and instead of risking a damaged lens being sent to a customer, they returned the lens to Canon.
 
After a brief conversation with my contacts at Canon USA, it was expected that the image stabilization unit not being parked was the source of the rattle sound. It was not thought that the unparked state was a damage risk to the lens and it was thought that mounting the lens on a camera would resolve the problem.
 
I just took delivery of a new 600mm f/4L IS III lens and upon removing the lens from the packaging, an obvious rattle could be heard. It sounded like this:
 
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens Rattle Sound
 
After the lens was mounted to a camera, the power cycled (parking the IS unit), and the lens removed, the sound was dramatically diminished.
 
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens with Less Rattle Sound
 
So, the expected cause of the rattle proved to be correct and you probably need not worry about the rattle your new super telephoto lens makes.
 
The hard-to-get Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is available for order at B&H ("More on the Way" — coming soon) (save the tax, use the B&H Payboo card), on backorder at Adorama, "Temporarily out of stock" at Amazon, and available for preorder at WEX.
 
Lensrentals has the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens available for rental.

Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images Image quality test results have been added to the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens page.
 
While these image quality results may appear simple, they have a background. Keeping the story short, my first copy of this lens took forever to arrive and when it did, the performance was not as expected with damage sustained in transit being strongly suspected. The second lens also took a long time to acquire and the results being shared here are from this lens.
 
Before announcing these results, I did some sanity checking including with my Canon USA technical rep. My concern (always) is ensuring that this lens' performance is representative of what buyers should expect from their own lens. The MTF charts suggest that the version III lens should perform nearly equally to the version II lens. While I'm not absolutely 100% confident that a better copy of this lens is not available (and will likely test at least one more copy of this lens to be sure), I have enough confidence that this lens is representative of the model, showing what we should expect, to share these results.
 
That said, let's jump right into the comparison that most will be interested in, the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III vs. II Lens image quality comparison. The version III lens produces very impressive image quality wide open. My only cause for concern about this lens copy was that the version II lens is very slightly sharper in the center of the frame with the difference primarily noticeable when extenders are being used. With less lateral CA, the version III lens produces better peripheral image quality, even with the 2x extender in place.
 
Unmistakably better is the version III's weight. As I was creating this post, I grabbed the lens from my desk and ran to attempt to catch a pileated woodpecker on a tree just outside the studio. That effort reminded me how amazingly light this lens is for its specs.
 
Here is another relevant comparison: Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III vs. Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR Lens.
 
The hard-to-get Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is available for order at B&H ("More on the Way" — coming soon) (save the tax, use the B&H Payboo card), on backorder at Adorama, "Temporarily out of stock" at Amazon, and available for preorder at WEX.
 
Want this lens in your hands tomorrow? Lensrentals has the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens available for rental.

In addition to the image quality test results, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens page.
 
Again, more information about this lens is coming.
 
The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens page.
 
You are going to be impressed with these results.
 
This is a unique lens. The product images show that this lens has a manual aperture ring denoted "T", for T-stops, showing the actual amount of light transmission. While this is technically an f/2.8 lens, the T-stop ring stops at f/5.6 and f/5.6 is the widest aperture selectable in-camera. The reason has to do with the STF (Smooth Trans Focus) feature including an optical apodization lens element. More information coming.
 
The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

In addition to Image quality test results, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available on the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens page.
 
Note that the product images are cropped hard due to my choice to keep them in the smaller lens comparison format where this lens can be compared to the 100-400mm lens class and others.
 
The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is in stock or coming soon at B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | WEX
 
Rent the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Review.
 
Do you want an f/2.8 aperture and image stabilization in a full-frame ultra-wide-angle focal length lens? This lens and its predecessor are still your only options.
 
The Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens from Lensrentals.

That is a question I struggled with and, based on emails coming in, many of you are also feeling the pull to move to the R-series, or at least bring one into an existing kit.
 
What We Know
 

• The Canon EOS R is a great-performing camera, full-featured with a great price for what it offers.
• The Canon EOS RP is tiny, well-featured, and extremely-well-priced.
• Lenses are critically important and the RF Lenses available now are very impressive with extremely high image quality, ultra-wide apertures, and/or compact size and light weight.
• The RF lenses slated for delivery later this year promise at least equal to the impressiveness of the ones we already have available.
• More EOS R camera models are promised, including pro models.

You Should Buy a Canon R-Series Mirrorless Camera Now If
 

• You want to start taking advantage of the RF lenses and/or want to keep your kit optimized to the best-available lenses. If a lens you want to use now to is available in an RF mount version, this is a good time to consider buying into the R system.
• You want the advantages of an electronic viewfinder, including clear, focused-to-your-eye image preview and review in bright daylight, and don't mind the EVF disadvantages, including a brief video pause when an image is being captured.
• You want incredibly-low-light AF capabilities.
• You want improved AF accuracy with third party lenses.
• You want to learn how to use the mirrorless models. While the learning curve is not big, the fun of learning something new is.
• You primarily photograph landscapes, street, still life, family and events.
• You want the benefit of eye-tracking focus, especially useful with wide aperture lenses.
• You want to reduce the size and weight of your kit.
• You want to take advantage of the up-to-$500 rebates currently available.

You Should Wait to Buy a Canon R-Series Mirrorless Camera If
 

• You primarily photograph sports and wildlife. The EOS R's frame rate is mediocre and a brief EVF video pause during each image capture makes tracking erratic-moving fast action challenging. The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II or the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV are currently better choices for capturing fast, erratic action.
• You don't see any advantages to the EOS R-series camera and RF lens system over what you are using now. If nothing about the new cameras and lenses interests you, stay with a DSLR.
• You require an economy kit lens with a native RF mount. I expect an inexpensive RF kit lens to show up at some point, but ... an adapted EF lens is currently the best low-cost option for a general-purpose zoom lens.
• You require ultra-high resolution. We do not yet have a Canon EOS 5Ds R-equivalent resolution option available in the R-series. The EOS R's 30.3 MP resolution is very high, but getting higher resolution in a Canon R-series camera requires waiting.
• You require dual memory card slots.
• You require IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization). Of course, most of the RF lenses have either an ultra-wide aperture or image stabilization reducing the need for stabilization in-camera.
• Current video capabilities are not adequate.

Note that there will always be a new camera model coming. How long it takes to get here is a key component to decision-making and with the manufacturers not sharing their future plans, that component is an unknown and a lot of years of current model usage could potentially be had before an alternative arrives. New models usually bring new features that are useful, at least to some, but they also typically have higher price tags, at least higher than a similar model being replaced or higher than a model positioned lower in the lineup. New models make no difference to how current models perform – a camera owned today will continue to perform the same tomorrow. If you can make use of a current model now, now is a good time to get that model.
 
The Canon EOS R is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
The Canon EOS RP is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

With a Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (EOS 250D, EOS Kiss 10, EOS 200D II) in hand, it is time to set up the camera for use. Following are the 32 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box Canon EOS Rebel SL3 ready for use.
 

1. Open the box, find the battery, place it in the charger and plug it in.
2. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box.
3. Download and install the Canon Solution Disk software on your computer, gaining support for the latest camera(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP) and EOS Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
4. Attach the neck strap.
5. Insert the battery (after charging completes) and power the camera on.
6. Insert a memory card.
7. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv or M (some modes provide only a small subset of available menu options).
8. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
9. Shooting settings, Tab 1: Image quality: Use top dial to set RAW to "RAW" and Cross Keys to set JPEG to "-" (RAW image files provide the highest quality and are especially valuable for post processing work)
10. Shooting settings, Tab 1: Image review: 4 sec. (or sometimes off to increase shooting speed in the field)
11. Shooting settings, Tab 1: Release shutter without card: Disable (only in a retail store do you want to press the shutter release without saving the image file, leaving this option enabled will burn you someday)
12. Shooting settings, Tab 1: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (though Chromatic Aberration correction is a good option to leave enabled for most)
13. Shooting settings, Tab 4: White balance: AWB W (White) (I seldom use another white balance setting while shooting, though I often adjust modestly during post processing)
14. Shooting settings, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Strength = 1 (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram on the back of the camera that most-accurately shows me blown highlights and blocked shadows on the camera LCD. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
15. Shooting settings, Tab 5: Long exp. noise reduction: Auto (when active, LENR captures a dark image that is used to correct the long exposure noise in the primary image)
16. Shooting settings, Tab 5: High ISO speed NR: Off (or Low) (noise reduction is destructive to images details - I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post processing)
17. Playback settings, Tab 1: Histogram disp: RGB (I want to see the graph for individual color channels)
18. Function settings, Tab 1: Format card (always format memory cards in-camera — after all contained images are stored elsewhere of course)
19. Function settings, Tab 1: Auto Rotate: On computer (only) (images are properly rotated when viewed on a computer, but are always oriented to fill the LCD when viewed on the camera)
20. Function settings, Tab 2: Date/Time/Zone: make correct for your location
21. Function settings, Tab 3: Beep: Disable (no one wants to hear your camera constantly beeping)
22. Function settings, Tab 5: Copyright information: enter as desired
23. Function settings, Tab 5: Custom Functions settings(C.Fn): C.Fn I: Exposure: 2: ISO expansion: On (required for setting ISO to 51200)
24. Shooting settings, Tab 3: Photo ISO speed settings: ISO 51200 (this upper limit is only being used for testing, set to your tolerance)
25. Function settings, Tab 5: Custom Functions settings(C.Fn): C.Fn I: Exposure: 4: Exposure comp. auto cancel: Disable (I'll decide when exposure compensation should be canceled)
26. Function settings, Tab 5: Custom Functions settings(C.Fn): C.Fn I: Operation/Others: 11: Retract lens on power off (avoids having a carefully-selected focus distance reset when camera auto powers off)
27. Display level settings, Tab 1: Shooting screen: Standard (Guided is useful for beginners)
28. Display level settings, Tab 1: Menu displaye: Standard (Guided is useful for beginners)
29. Display level settings, Tab 1: Mode guide: Disable (Enabled is useful for beginners)
30. Display level settings, Tab 1: Feature guide: Disable (Enabled is useful for beginners)
31. My Menu: Add the first tab; Register the following options for Tab 1: Format card, Mirror lockup, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring what time it is), Expo.comp./AEB, Long exp. noise reduction, Sensor cleaning (nothing in my My Menu is found on the Quick Control display as those functions are already quickly accessed)
32. With a lens mounted and a subject focused on, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

I of course make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.
 
To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot - including shooting in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.
 
If you can't remember your own menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a good idea. Anytime your camera is reset-to-factory state for some reason, such as when being serviced, you will be ready to restore your setup quickly while ensuring that you do not miss an important setting. If you purchase another same or similar camera, you will be able to quickly set it up.
 
More Information
 
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
 
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

Just posted: Really Right Stuff TFC/TVC-24/24L Mk2 Tripod Review.
 
This is my second-most-used tripod with only the Really Right Stuff TVC-34L Mk2 Tripod being used more frequently. These two tripods are practically the same except for a smaller and lighter frame, a lower weight capacity, and a lower price. Thus, a majority of the reviews are shared.
 
The Really Right Stuff TFC/TVC-24/24L Mk2 Tripod is in stock at B&H.

In an unusual move earlier this year, Canon showed (some of) their cards in a development announcement. Mock-ups of these new lenses were on display at a press event held just before that announcement and sharing some pictures from that event has been on my to-do list since. Note that all of the images shared in this article can be clicked on to see a significantly larger version.
 
The lead image shows all of the 2019 RF lenses and R-series cameras. From left to right in this image (new lens quotes are from Canon Europe) are the:
 

• Canon RF 35mm f/1.8mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens
• Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
• Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens
  A large aperture mid-telephoto prime lens, offering the ultimate performance for advanced and professional portrait photographers.
• Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS Lens
  (not shown, but looks identical to RF 85 non-DS): A unique high-performance lens offering a combination of beautifully smooth defocused background bokeh and a super faster aperture to produce breath-taking portraits.
• Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
  Offering wide angle, fast aperture and high performance in a single package this lens is ideal for a range of uses including architecture, interiors or landscapes.
• Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
  The high-performance standard zoom for professionals and photo enthusiasts shooting portraits, landscapes, documentary or weddings.
• Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
  The must-have lens for any professional photographer shooting weddings, sport or wildlife. This high-speed medium telephoto zoom will be the daily go-to lens for numerous occasions.
• Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens
  This compact, affordable 10x zoom is a multipurpose travel lens offering a versatile range of focal lengths and practical size and performance.
• Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens
• Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens
• In front are the Canon EOS R and Canon EOS RP with the RF 24-105mm and RF 35mm lenses respectively shown mounted.

Not surprising is that the RF lenses show many similarities to each other. The black L-zooms all feature an ideally-positioned (toward the rear of the lens, though not as far back as their EF counterparts) zoom ring and all but the RF 24-240mm lens feature a forward-positioned control ring. The two or three rings on each lens have a differing tactile surface and the feel for each ring purpose is similar throughout the lineup with the control ring being knurled. Notice that the RF 24-240 does not have a dedicated focus ring. It is expected that the control ring will optionally be able to serve that function.
 
I was told to expect RF lens image quality to be as good or better than that of the nearest equivalent EF lens with reduced size being another benefit in some cases.
 
Note that the lenses shown on display boxes are lens mount-deep in their holders. Still, we can discern some of the sizes. I'll start with the RF 70-200 as I added a sizing prop next to it. Canon USA was very protective of the new lens mockups the Canon Inc. engineers brought with them (we could not touch them and they used white gloves to move them), but with reluctance, I was permitted to place a phone next to the tiny 70-200.
 

 
The iPhone 7 measures 5.44" (138mm) in length. If the phone were completely upright, it would about match the lens in length. What if your 70-200 f/2.8 was nearly as small as your EF 16-35 f/2.8L III? That is about the size difference we are looking at and here is a visual comparison. I haven't seen a lens that wow'd me as much as the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens in a long time. Where is the rest of the lens? The size is so dramatically smaller that it will have an impact on the case or backpack this lens is carried in.
 
Interesting is that a tripod ring (hinge-removable) remains included. Is this an indication that weight will be moving forward, justifying the ring for proper balance? Or is the ring included because we expect a lens with these specs to have one, essentially checking the requirements box?
 
When the dust settles, I'll not likely care for the forward-positioned zoom ring and that this lens extends is not ideal. But, the considerably smaller size (the smallest Canon white L lens ever) should easily make up for those downsides. Note that this lens also has a rear-positioned control ring.
 
Here is a closer look at the new lenses.
 

 
Along with the RF 70-200, the RF 15-35 and RF 24-70 complete the RF f/2.8 lens "trifecta". These two similar-sized lenses appear to be slightly longer than the RF 24-105 (the spec will likely land at around 4.5" or 114mm) and will have a width very similar to the RF 24-105. Here is a current visual comparison with the RF 24-105. The wide-angle lens gets a very-welcomed extra 1mm of focal length on the wide end, making 15mm available with filter threads. It also adds image stabilization, a Canon first for full frame f/2.8 in this range. Additionally welcomed is that this lens appears to be slightly reduced in length and perhaps even more reduced in width.
 
The standard professional zoom lens does not get a focal length adjustment and the size appears not dramatially reduced, but the long-awaited image stabilization feature has arrived (woo hoo!).
 
With the RF 85 announced, we can directly compare the Canon RF 85mm to the Canon RF 50mm and see that the 85 is, as expected, a bit larger and heavier.
 
Only the second RF lens to be missing the red ring, the RF 24-240 relatively-affordably covers a huge range of focal length needs in a single lens, making it ideal for times when lens changes cannot be made, cannot be made quickly enough, or are simply not wanted to be made.
 
Still glaringly missing in the RF lineup is a value-priced general-purpose zoom lens. The RF 24-240 is positioned to be a great lower-budget option for all-around use, but although thin, it has a length similar to the RF 15-35 and RF 24-70 which does not completely align with the compactness of the EOS RP. Watch for at least one shorter-range option to arrive soon. It makes sense.
 
Lenses are a critical component of a camera system and the right lens can make a huge difference in the results and also in the ease in which those results are captured. Canon's new RF lens mount has obviously opened up new possibilities for lens designers and they are rolling out some of the best lenses ever. It's a great time to be a photographer.
 
 
A great set of rebates (up to $500) makes now an ideal time to add an R-series camera to the kit. The included Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R makes integration into an existing Canon kit easy. While I have access to evaluation cameras, I decided that I wanted my own R and recently added one to the kit.
 
The Canon EOS R is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
The Canon EOS RP is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX